Apparatus and method for applying eyelash extensions

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for applying eyelash extensions includes a body having a support member, a pair of generally aligned and opposed first and second gripping arms, and a locking mechanism; and fibers projecting outwardly from the body. A method of using the apparatus involves combing the eyelashes using the fibers; positioning the apparatus to accommodate each eyelash in a space between adjacent fibers; activating the locking mechanism to separate and hold each eyelash in a separated position; applying the eyelash extensions; and deactivating the locking mechanism.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for applying eyelash extensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since long, lush, dark eyelashes are considered to be a sign of beauty, femininity, and youthfulness in many cultures, many women have sought to enhance their eyelash length artificially using various mascaras, eyeliners, lengthening serums, false eyelashes, and eyelash curlers. However, such products may be difficult to apply, costly, and too time-consuming for a daily beauty regime. For example, mascara lasts only a few hours, and clumps or cakes the lashes when too much product is applied. False eyelashes are attached to the upper eyelid using adhesive with the aid of tweezers. However, this process can be messy, and the eyes can feel heavy with a full cluster of false eyelashes applied directly on the eyelid.

Eyelash extensions have thus become increasingly popular as a time-saving, longer-lasting, effortless alternative. Eyelash extensions are available in varying materials (i.e., synthetic, silk, or mink), lengths, thicknesses, and curls, such that the results can vary from subtle to dramatic. The process of applying a full set of lash extensions is intricate. The upper eyelashes are first combed to separate the eyelashes from each other. Either synthetic, silk, or mink lash extensions are selected, and applied individually one at a time to each upper eyelash using a medical-grade adhesive. The esthetician must work slowly and carefully to ensure that each lash extension is bonded to a single eyelash.

However, this process is problematic. Since each lash extension is applied individually one at a time, it takes a substantial length of time to separate and isolate each eyelash from adjacent eyelashes to perform the application, which typically takes at least about three hours or more. If the esthetician does not separate and isolate each eyelash properly, the lash extensions may be improperly applied. For example, the lash extension may be accidentally glued to two or more eyelashes, resulting in an unattractive, undesirable clump which causes irritation and breakage or loss of the natural eyelashes. Natural eyelashes grow fully and are shed as they age at different intervals to make way for new eyelashes to grow. A glued clump does not allow the natural eyelash to shed properly on its own, thus taking all eyelashes with it before their proper shedding time. This premature shedding leads to root damage which may cause permanent loss of the eyelashes.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved way of applying eyelash extensions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying eyelash extensions. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for applying eyelash extensions comprising:

a) a body comprising a support member, a pair of generally aligned and opposed first and second gripping arms, and a locking mechanism; and

b) a plurality of fibers projecting outwardly from the body.

In one embodiment, the support member comprises an exterior surface for mounting the plurality of fibers, and is configured in the form of an outwardly convex curve.

In one embodiment, the first gripping arm comprises a planar portion and a first curved portion comprising an inwardly concave curve for receiving a user's thumb or forefinger.

In one embodiment, the second gripping arm comprises a second curved portion comprising an inwardly concave curve for comfortably receiving a user's thumb or forefinger, and a locking head.

In one embodiment, the locking head comprises a wall and a pawl, the wall comprising an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, and defining an opening configured to receive and allow the passage of the locking mechanism therethrough; and the pawl protruding from the inner surface of the wall, and being disposed at least partially inside the opening.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a moveably slidable locking arm having a fixed end, a free end, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of ridges. In one embodiment, the fixed end is secured to the planar portion of the first gripping arm, and the free end is movably slidable from an unlocked position below the pawl, to a locked position through the opening to extend beyond the outer surface of the wall.

In one embodiment, the ridges are disposed on the inner surface of the locking arm and between the fixed end and the free end of the locking arm, the ridges being substantially parallel, spaced apart, and configured to engage the pawl. In one embodiment, the ridges define a plurality of notches to engage the pawl at a plurality of different positions along the locking arm. In one embodiment, the ridges are in the form of teeth having triangular cross-sectional shapes, and the pawl is in the form of an inverted tooth having a corresponding triangular cross-sectional shape.

In one embodiment, the fibers define a space in between each fiber of a sufficient distance to accommodate an eyelash therebetween. In one embodiment, the fibers are mounted in an orientation angled downwardly relative to the exterior surface of the supporting member. In one embodiment, the fibers are disposed in at least one curved row on the exterior surface of the support member.

In one embodiment, the fibers are mounted to extend from the exterior surface of the supporting member at angles with ends of the fibers forming a curve. In one embodiment, ends of the fibers curve upwardly to form tips.

In one embodiment, the above apparatus is formed of a flexible, elastic material.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of applying eyelash extensions using the above apparatus comprising the steps of:

a) combing the eyelashes using the fibers;

b) positioning the apparatus to accommodate each eyelash in a space between adjacent fibers;

c) activating the locking mechanism to separate and hold each eyelash in a separated position;

d) applying the eyelash extensions; and

e) deactivating the locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, in step (c), the first gripping arm and second gripping arm are pressed with sufficient force to bend the support member outwardly, wherein the fibers diverge to spread apart the eyelashes. In one embodiment, the eyelashes are spread apart at a distance ranging from about 0.05 mm to about 2.0 mm. In one embodiment, the method further comprises pressing the first gripping arm and second gripping arm until the free end of the locking arm slides through the opening of the second gripping arm, and the pawl is engaged within a notch between adjacent ridges at the desired position along the locking arm.

In one embodiment, in step (e), the first gripping arm and second gripping arm are pressed with sufficient force to release the pawl from the notch between the ridges, and to release the locking arm from engagement with the second gripping arm. In one embodiment, the method further comprises releasing pressure on the first gripping arm and second gripping arm to unbend the support member and to converge the fibers.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in view of the description, which follows. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked position, with the fibers aligned in parallel when not in use.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is an enlarged right side view of the fibers imbedded in the support member. FIG. 4C is a left side view of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the fibers in the shape of “ski tips.”

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the fibers arranged in a single curved row. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the fibers. FIG. 6C is a back view of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the fibers arranged to extend from the support member at angles such that the tips of the fibers together form a curve.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the unlocked position. FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ridges of the locking arm. FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of the wall, pawl, and free end of the locking arm.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the locked position, with the fibers diverging to separate the eyelashes when in use.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked position, with the “ski tip” fibers aligned in parallel when not in use.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the locking head.

FIG. 11 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “horizontal” means the orientation of a plane or line that is substantially parallel to the plane of the horizon. The term “vertical” means the orientation of a plane or line that is substantially at a right angle to the horizontal plane.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and method which simplifies and accelerates the application of eyelash extensions. The invention enables each eyelash to be easily and rapidly separated from adjacent eyelashes to provide more working space for the esthetician or beautician to apply the eyelash extensions, and to hold each eyelash in a separated position to expedite the application of eyelash extensions.

The invention will now be described having reference to the accompanying Figures. The apparatus (10) is shown generally in FIGS. 1-8 to include a body (12) and a plurality of fibers (14) projecting outwardly from the body (12). The body (12) comprises a support member (16), a pair of generally aligned and opposed first and second gripping arms (18, 20), and a locking mechanism (22).

The support member (16) provides an exterior surface (24) on which the plurality of fibers (14) are mounted and project outwardly away from the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16) (FIG. 6A). The support member (16) is configured in the form of an outwardly convex curve (FIGS. 2, 3, 7A). The support member (16) bridges the opposed first and second gripping arms (18, 20). In one embodiment, the length of the support member (16) ranges from about 35 mm to about 60 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the support member (16) ranges from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the support member (16) ranges from about 2 mm to 10 mm.

The first gripping arm (18) comprises a first curved portion (26) and a planar portion (28) (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7A, 8). The first curved portion (26) comprises an inwardly concave curve for comfortably receiving a user's thumb or forefinger. The first curved portion (26) is sized to conform substantially to the breadth of an adult's thumb ranging from about 10 mm to about 25 mm. The planar portion (28) comprises a substantially flat plate. In one embodiment, the plate is substantially rectangular-shaped. While the Figures illustrate a rectangular-shaped plate, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes such as for example, square, and the like, are included within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the length of the first gripping arm (18) ranges from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, with the first curved portion (26) having a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, and the planar portion (28) having a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the first gripping arm (18) ranges from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the first gripping arm (18) ranges from about 2 mm to 10 mm.

The second gripping arm (20) comprises a second curved portion (30) and a locking head (32) (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7A). The second curved portion (30) comprises an inwardly concave curve for comfortably receiving a user's thumb or forefinger. The second curved portion (30) is sized to conform substantially to the breadth of an adult's thumb ranging from about 10 mm to about 25 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the second gripping arm (20) ranges from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, with the second curved portion (26) having a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, and the locking head (32) having a length ranging from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the second gripping arm (20) ranges from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the second gripping arm (20) ranges from about 2 mm to 10 mm.

The locking head (32) comprises a wall (34) and a pawl (36) (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7A). The wall (34) has an outer wall surface (38) and an inner wall surface (40). The wall (34) defines an opening (42). The opening (42) is configured to receive and allow the passage of the locking mechanism (22) therethrough (FIGS. 5, 7A, 8). In one embodiment, the wall (34) is substantially rectangular-shaped. In one embodiment, the opening (42) is substantially rectangular-shaped. While the Figures illustrate a rectangular-shaped wall (34) and opening (42), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes such as for example, square, circular, oval, and the like, are included within the scope of the invention. The pawl (36) protrudes from the inner surface (40) of the wall (34), and is disposed at least partially inside the opening (42).

The locking mechanism (22) comprises a moveable slidable locking arm (44) having a fixed end (46), a free end (48), an outer surface (50), an inner surface (52), and a plurality of ridges (54) (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7A, 8). The fixed end (46) of the locking arm (44) is secured to the planar portion (28) of the first gripping arm (18). The free end (48) of the locking arm (44) is movable slidably from an unlocked position in which it is positioned below the pawl (36) (FIG. 7A), to a locked position in which it slides through the opening (42) to extend beyond the outer surface (38) of the wall (34) (FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the length of the locking arm (44) ranges from about 40 mm to about 70 mm.

The ridges (54) are disposed on the inner surface (52) of the locking arm (44) and between the fixed end (46) and the free end (48) of the locking arm (44) (FIGS. 1, 2, 37A, 7B, 8). The ridges (54) may be disposed along a portion or entirety of the inner surface (52) of the locking arm (44). In one embodiment, the ridges (54) are disposed on a portion of the inner surface (52) of the locking arm (44). The ridges (54) are substantially parallel, spaced apart, and configured to engage the pawl (36). Adjacent ridges (54) are spaced apart in order to define a notch (56) therebetween to engage the pawl (36). A plurality of ridges (54) is provided to allow engagement of the pawl (36) at a plurality of different positions along the locking arm (44).

In one embodiment, the ridges (54) are formed as elevated teeth having triangular cross-sections. The teeth may have triangular cross-sectional shapes, although other cross-sectional shapes may be employed. The pawl (36) may have a corresponding triangular cross-sectional shape to fit within the notch (56) defined by adjacent teeth, although other cross-sectional shapes may be employed. In one embodiment, the teeth have triangular cross-sectional shapes in the form of right-angled triangles. In one embodiment, the pawl (36) has a triangular cross-sectional shape in the form of an inverted right-angled triangle. Formation of the ridges (54) and pawl (36) in this manner provides for a more secure locking of the locking arm (44) with the second gripping arm (20). The ridges (54) are either formed integrally with the locking arm (44) or imbedded in the inner surface (52) of the locking arm (44).

It is contemplated that the number (density), size, shape and positioning of the fibers (14) may vary. The fibers (14) are mounted on the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16) to project outwardly away from the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16) (FIGS. 1, 2, 3). In one embodiment, the fibers (14) are mounted in an orientation angled downwardly relative to the exterior surface (24) of the supporting member (16) (FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the angle is slightly less than about 180°. In one embodiment, the angle ranges from about 165° to about 180°. In one embodiment, the angle ranges from about 170° to about 175°. The fibers (14) are mounted at an angle in order to facilitate access to the eyelashes, since the eyelashes themselves angle downwardly from the eyelids when the eyes are closed.

The fibers (14) are disposed or evenly distributed in at least one row on the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16). In one embodiment, the fibers (14) are disposed or evenly distributed in at least one curved row on the exterior surface (FIGS. 6A-B). The curved configuration of the row substantially conforms to the curvature of the eyelashes, and allows the user access to all the eyelashes simultaneously. In one embodiment, the fibers (14) are arranged to extend from the exterior surface (24) at angles such that the exposed ends (62) of the fibers (14) together form a curve (FIG. 6C). This configuration enables separation of the eyelashes once selected and inserted among the fibers (14). The fibers (14) are arranged as closely together as is practicable, but leaving a space (58) in between each adjacent fiber (14) of a sufficient distance to accommodate an eyelash therebetween (FIGS. 1, 8).

The fibers (14) are either formed integrally with the support member (16) or imbedded in the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16). When imbedded, the fibers (14) have anchored ends (60) firmly secured within the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16), and opposite exposed ends (62) which project outwardly from the exterior surface (24) of the support member (16) (FIGS. 4A-B). In one embodiment, the exposed ends (62) are curved upwardly similar to the shape of “ski tips” to avoid the risk of the fibers (14) accidentally poking into the client's eyes when the apparatus (10) is being operated by the user (e.g., an esthetician or beautician) (FIGS. 4C, 9, 10A-B, 11-13). In one embodiment, the radius of the “ski tip” shaped exposed ends (62) ranges from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

It is particularly preferred to have the fibers (14) the same size since this lends itself to the possibility of making fibers (14) of identical structure, thereby simplifying and reducing manufacturing costs. However, if desired, the fibers (14) may be of different sizes. The fibers (14) may have substantially uniform length or vary in length. In one embodiment, the fibers (14) have substantially uniform length. In one embodiment, the length of the fiber (14) ranges from about 20 mm to about 30 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the fiber (14) is about 20 mm. Having relatively shorter fibers (14) may increase the stiffness or rigidity of each individual fiber (14) to facilitate the separation process. During manufacturing, the lengths selected for the fibers (14) may depend upon the curve formed by the fibers (14) and the minimum distance between adjacent fibers (14) (FIG. 6C). In one embodiment, the thickness of the fiber (14) ranges from about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the fiber (14) is about 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the number of fibers (14) ranges from about 10 to about 40. In one embodiment, the number of fibers (14) ranges from about 10 to about 30. In one embodiment, the number of fibers (14) is selected from 11, 13, or 15. If desired, a substantially reduced number of fibers (14) allows selection of only a few eyelashes at a time instead of all eyelashes simultaneously. The fibers (14) may be formed of natural or synthetic fibers including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, and the like. Preferably, the fibers (14) are formed of a flexible material.

The dimensions of the apparatus (10) are not essential to the invention and may be increased or decreased as may be required to satisfy any particular design objectives. In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may have a length (as measured from the exposed ends (62) of the fibers (14) to the locking head (32) or planar portion (28)) in the range of about 40 mm to about 70 mm. The apparatus (10) may have a width (as measured by the distance between the locking head (32) to the free end (48) of the locking arm (44) in the unlocked position) in the range of about 45 mm to about 75 mm.

The apparatus (10) may be formed of various flexible, elastic materials. As used herein, the term “flexible” means capable of bending without breaking. Rigid materials are avoided since they may impede the proper operation of the apparatus (10). In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) comprises flexible, elastomeric material. As used herein, the term “elastomer” means a material which exhibits the property of elasticity, namely the ability to deform when a stress is applied and to recover its original form (i.e., length, volume, shape, etc.) spontaneously when the stress is removed. Elastomers typically have a low Young's modulus (i.e., the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain, expressed in units of pressure); a high yield strain (i.e., the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically, expressed in units of pressure); and a high elongation at yield (i.e., the ratio between increased length and initial length at the yield point or when an increase of strain is not provoked by an increase of stress. It is related to the ability of an elastomer to resist changes of shape before it deforms irreversibly). In one embodiment, the modulus of elasticity ranges from about 1 GPa to about 2 GPa. In one embodiment, the yield strain is at least about 60 MPa or higher. In one embodiment, the elongation at yield is about at least 75%. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, and the like. Such materials are durable, lightweight, and are relatively inexpensive.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus (10) of the present invention is simple but rugged in construction that it can be made at low cost. The apparatus (10) may be easily fabricated. The apparatus (10) is preferably of one piece construction, and formed as a single, integral unit combining the support member (16), first gripping arm (18), second gripping arm (20), and locking mechanism (22), with the fibers (14) being formed integrally with the support member (16) so that they do not become dislodged. However, the fibers (14) may also be manufactured separately as components which are attachable to the support member (16).

The apparatus (10) may be formed by molding, dipping, foaming, extrusion, and other processes known in the art. Preferably, the apparatus (10) is formed by molding. Briefly, molding involves shaping plastic using a rigid frame or mold to create the apparatus (10). Molten liquid plastic is placed into a hollow mold so that the polymer can take its shapes, often with varying ranges of pressure and heat required. Following cooling, the molding is removed to reveal the apparatus (10). Different plastic molding techniques include, but are not limited to, rotational molding, injection molding, blow molding, structural foam molding, thermoforming, and compression molding. Molding is a relatively simple and rapid process for producing the apparatus (10).

As shown in the Figures, the apparatus (10) may be molded as a single, integral unit combining the support member (16), the first gripping arm (18), the second gripping arm (20), and the locking mechanism (22). The fibers (14) may be integral or manufactured separately as components which are attachable to the support member (16). In general, the apparatus (10) requires few components, making the apparatus (10) amenable to rapid assembly and minimizing expense in manufacturing.

Since the apparatus (10) is to be used proximal to the eyes, the apparatus (10) is preferably sterilized without applying excessive thermal energy, which can melt materials. The sterilized apparatus (10) should be sealed in packaging which excludes direct and indirect sunlight, artificial light with ultraviolet content, and oxygen penetration to avoid deterioration. As an example, the apparatus (10) may be individually packaged flat within a polyester peelable pouch or sachet which is sized to fit within a cosmetic bag, and can thus be conveniently carried and ready for use at all times.

In operation, the user (e.g., an esthetician or beautician) initially washes the client's eyelashes using lash primer to remove any oil or makeup residue, and allows the client's eyelashes to dry. The client's eyelashes must be clean and dry in order for the adhesive to bond to the eyelashes. The user covers the client's lower eyelashes with a white adhesive pad, gel pad, or tape such that when the eyelids are closed, the upper eyelashes will be more visible against the whiteness of the pad or tape to facilitate application of the eyelash extensions. In addition, the lower eyelashes will be protected from being glued to the top eyelashes. The client closes her eyes and the user ensures that the pad or tape does not make the upper eyelashes push upwardly.

The user holds the apparatus (10) by placing her thumb on the second curved portion (30) of the second gripping arm (20), and her forefinger on the first curved portion (26) of the first gripping arm (18), or vice versa should the user be left-handed. The first and second curved portions (26, 30) allow the user to grip the apparatus (10) comfortably. The user first gently combs the client's eyelashes using the fibers (14), taking care not to injure the client's eyes with the fibers (14). After combing the client's eyelashes, the user positions the apparatus (10) such that each eyelash enters a space (58) between adjacent fibers (14). The user then applies pressure using her thumb and forefinger to the first gripping arm (18) and second gripping arm (20). The pressure forces or presses the first gripping arm (18) and second gripping arm (20) towards each other, and in turn, bends or flexes the support member (16) outwardly, causing the fibers (14) to diverge or spread apart. Since the fibers (14) are evenly distributed on the support member (16), the eyelashes themselves will be evenly spread apart. Since each eyelash has already been positioned in a space (58) between adjacent fibers (14), each eyelash is spread apart from adjacent eyelashes. Continued pressure applied to the first and second gripping arms (18, 20) causes the fibers (14) to spread apart even further, and in turn spread out each eyelash further from adjacent eyelashes. In one embodiment, each eyelash is spread apart from adjacent eyelashes at a distance ranging from about 0.05 mm to about 2.0 mm.

The user applies further pressure to the first and second gripping arms (18, 20) to cause the free end (48) of the locking arm (44) to slide through the opening (42) of the second gripping arm (20). The user applies pressure to a point where the pawl (36) is received by and engaged within a notch (56) between adjacent ridges (54) at the desired position along the locking arm (44). The pawl (36) once retained or “snapped” in place within the notch (56) is prevented from unintentional removal therefrom. The pressure applied at this stage of the operation is sufficient to maneuver the locking arm (44) to a locked position with the second gripping arm (20) (FIG. 8). Locking of the apparatus (10) ensures that the client's eyelashes are held in a separated position at the desired distance.

It will be noted that the space (58) or the separation distance of the fibers (14), hence the separation distance of the eyelashes, will be greater when the pawl (36) is placed within a notch (56) between ridges (54) which are positioned closer to the fixed end (46) of the locking arm (44), as compared to when the pawl (36) is placed within a notch (56) between ridges (54) which are positioned closer to the free end (48) of the locking arm (44).

The user may then rest the apparatus (10) on the client's forehead. The user may then apply the eyelash extensions to the client's natural eyelashes using any suitable technique known to those skilled in the art. A single eyelash extension is applied to a single natural eyelash. Typically, eyelash extensions are applied using artificial lashes (e.g., synthetic, mink, silk), tweezers, medical-grade adhesive, an eyelash brush, and the like. Starting at the inner corner of the client's eye, the user dabs an artificial lash with adhesive and carefully drops the artificial lash onto the client's natural eyelash about 1 mm to about 2 mm from the eyelid. Leaving about a 1-2 mm space between the artificial lash and the eyelid allows the eye to remain comfortable as the eyelash with the artificial lash grows and is shed. Using conventional techniques, the artificial lash is typically left to dry for at least about 10 seconds before separating the next lash from the treated lash, and adhering the next artificial lash. However, since each natural eyelash has already been separated and remains isolated from adjacent eyelashes by the fibers (14) of the apparatus (10), the user can easily work across the eyelid applying the artificial lashes to the natural eyelashes without having to wait for each artificial lash to dry, separating the next natural eyelash from the treated eyelash, and applying the next artificial lash.

If the user wishes to adjust (i.e., increase or decrease) the separation distance of the natural eyelashes during application of the artificial lashes, the apparatus (10) can be easily locked or unlocked by applying or releasing pressure to the first and second gripping arms (18, 20).

To unlock the apparatus (10), the user places her thumb on the second curved portion (30) of the second gripping arm (20), and her forefinger on the first curved portion (26) of the first gripping arm (18), or vice versa should the user be left-handed. The user then applies pressure to the first gripping arm (18) and the second gripping arm (20) and pushes downwardly upon the locking arm (44) to remove the pawl (36) from the notch (56) between the ridges (54). The locking arm (44) is thereby released from its locked engagement with the second gripping arm (20), and returns to its unlocked position in which the free end (48) of the locking arm (44) rests beneath the pawl (36). The user releases pressure on the first gripping arm (18) and second gripping arm (20) which unbends the support member (16) and causes the fibers (14) to converge.

After all artificial lashes have been applied and are completely dry, the user can gently remove the apparatus (10) from the client's eyelashes. The white pad or tape is detached from the client's lower eyelashes, and the client is allowed to open her eyes.

Accordingly, single-handed operation may be employed to activate the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) is sufficiently flexible to allow manipulation of the fibers (14) by thumb and finger pressure using only one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding tweezers, synthetic lashes, other tools, etc. Manipulation of the fibers (14) enables their separation, which in turn separates each eyelash from adjacent eyelashes, and holds each eyelash in a separated position in order to apply synthetic eyelash extensions more rapidly compared to conventional prior art methods which take at least about three hours or more. Since each eyelash is separated and isolated properly using the apparatus (10), each lash extension is properly applied, and will not be accidentally glued to two or more lashes, yielding an unattractive, undesirable clump causing irritation, breakage, premature shedding, root damage, and/or temporary or permanent loss of the natural eyelashes.

It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for applying eyelash extensions comprising: a) a body comprising a support member, a pair of generally aligned and opposed first and second gripping arms, and a locking mechanism; and b) a plurality of fibers projecting outwardly from the body.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises an exterior surface for mounting the plurality of fibers, and is configured in the form of an outwardly convex curve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first gripping arm comprises a planar portion and a first curved portion comprising an inwardly concave curve for receiving a user's thumb or forefinger.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second gripping arm comprises a second curved portion comprising an inwardly concave curve for comfortably receiving a user's thumb or forefinger, and a locking head.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking head comprises a wall and a pawl, the wall comprising an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, and defining an opening configured to receive and allow the passage of the locking mechanism therethrough; and the pawl protruding from the inner surface of the wall, and being disposed at least partially inside the opening.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a moveably slidable locking arm having a fixed end, a free end, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of ridges.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fixed end is secured to the planar portion of the first gripping arm, and the free end is movably slidable from an unlocked position below the pawl, to a locked position through the opening to extend beyond the outer surface of the wall.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ridges are disposed on the inner surface of the locking arm and between the fixed end and the free end of the locking arm, the ridges being substantially parallel, spaced apart, and configured to engage the pawl.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ridges define a plurality of notches to engage the pawl at a plurality of different positions along the locking arm.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the ridges are in the form of teeth having triangular cross-sectional shapes, and the pawl is in the form of an inverted tooth having a corresponding triangular cross-sectional shape.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fibers define a space in between each fiber of a sufficient distance to accommodate an eyelash therebetween.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fibers are mounted in an orientation angled downwardly relative to the exterior surface of the supporting member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fibers are disposed in at least one curved row on the exterior surface of the support member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fibers are mounted to extend from the exterior surface of the supporting member at angles with ends of the fibers forming a curve.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein ends of the fibers curve upwardly to form tips.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, being formed of a flexible, elastic material.
 17. A method of applying eyelash extensions using the apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a) combing the eyelashes using the fibers; b) positioning the apparatus to accommodate each eyelash in a space between adjacent fibers; c) activating the locking mechanism to separate and hold each eyelash in a separated position; d) applying the eyelash extensions; and e) deactivating the locking mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein in step (c), the first gripping arm and second gripping arm are pressed with sufficient force to bend the support member outwardly, wherein the fibers diverge to spread apart the eyelashes.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the eyelashes are spread apart at a distance ranging from about 0.05 mm to about 2.0 mm.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising pressing the first gripping arm and second gripping arm until the free end of the locking arm slides through the opening of the second gripping arm, and the pawl is engaged within a notch between adjacent ridges at the desired position along the locking arm.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein in step (e), the first gripping arm and second gripping arm are pressed with sufficient force to release the pawl from the notch between the ridges, and to release the locking arm from engagement with the second gripping arm.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising releasing pressure on the first gripping arm and second gripping arm to unbend the support member and to converge the fibers. 